Abstract: A joint for use with a space frame for connecting a plurality of struts together. The joint permits dome fabrication and erection with essentially no field bolting required. A central hub is included in the joint for resisting forces transmitted to the joint by dome struts.

Abstract: A joint for use with a geodesic dome for connecting a plurality of struts together. The joint permits dome fabrication and erection with a minimum of field bolting. A central hub is included in the joint for resisting forces transmitted to the joint by dome struts.

Abstract: A system of insulation for double wall tanks includes a plurality of insulation layers held on the outside of an inner wall of the double wall tank by a plurality of orthogonally arranged bands. The bands include bands oriented longitudinally of the tank and bands oriented laterally of the tank. The insulation layers include abutting units, with each unit having a facing sheet thereon. The outermost insulation layer has abutting units with overlapping facing sheets, and the insulation layers assume a quilted pattern.

Abstract: A floating roof drainage system which includes a plurality of pipes. The pipes are weldably connected to each other to form a completely welded system, and, in one embodiment, are completely suspended from the bottom of the floating roof. In another embodiment, the drainage system is supported on the rimplate of the floating roof just beneath a seal. The pipes in one embodiment are prestressed, and the pipes in all embodiments are sequentially moved as the floating roof moves.

Abstract: A seal for use in a floating roof storage tank. The seal closes the annular space defined between the floating roof and the wall of the storage tank. The seal includes a single, unitary length of pliable material which is folded about the longitudinal axis thereof to superpose the side edges thereof. The end edges are closed and the superposed side edges are attached to the floating roof. A scuffband is attached to the floating roof to be interposed between the envelope and the tank wall, and fluent material can be placed into the envelope when the seal is in situ. A method of forming the seal is disclosed, as is a secondary sealing means.

Abstract: An emergency roof drain for floating roof storage tanks includes a siphon carried by the roof with an intake end above the roof and an outlet end below the roof. The siphon is normally closed by a valve and a valve operator is connected to open the valve in response to a predetermined emergency water level on top of the floating roof to thereby siphon the water from the roof and thus prevent sinking of the roof.

Abstract: A seal arrangement for a floating roof in a storage tank, wherein the roof is spaced at its outer periphery from the inner surface of the tank, thus defining a rim space, includes support members secured at one edge to the roof and extending angularly outwardly into close proximity with the tank wall, and yieldable material carried by the support members in a position to engage the tank wall and effect a seal between the roof and tank wall, said yieldable material having a predetermined shape, whereby engagement thereof with the tank wall covers a predetermined, varying area upon variations in the rim space to thus maintain acceptable contact pressure with the tank at different rim spaces between the roof and tank wall, while at the same time maintaining an effective seal.

Abstract: An impact resistant tank for storing cryogenic fluids, includes an inner metal tank having a metal side wall and a metal bottom and a concrete outer wall around the inner metal wall and having reinforcement therein to resist impact loads thereon, and to serve as a secondary containment for the cryogenic fluid.

Abstract: A floating roof for floating on and covering a liquid product stored in a tank, comprises a substantially flat, planar deck having a seal fixed to the periphery thereof and engaged with an inner wall surface of the tank, and a plurality of separate and independent buoy units secured on the deck to provide uniform buoyant support for the roof in the event of leakage of stored product onto the upper surface of the deck, said buoy units arranged such that lines drawn between the centers of any three adjacent units form a substantially equilateral triangle, and all of the buoy units together having a buoyancy at least as great as the total weight of the roof.